This month as we observed the total Camaro production counts for 2012, and it made us realize that a lot more of our favorite muscle cars are produced by the end of every year then we thought. As motoring enthusiasts, we understand that we have a unique love affair with our cars, but as commuters we also know that our preferred mode of transportation has to be able to prove itself safe.

For this reason we have the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA. The NHTSA is one of those agencies who we trust with our tax dollars to do what they’re supposed to do, but by what standards does NHTSA rate the safety and driveability of your vehicle?

After watching our featured video one really has to think that NHTSA doesn’t skimp when it comes to vehicle safety, as the ’13 Challenger in question suffers a massive degree of side impact damage during testing, causing its side-impact air bags to fully deploy.

By a general rule of thumb, a car door opening during a side impact test means that there is an increased chance of passenger ejection, yet astonishingly the NHTSA’s test Dodge manages to pull-off an official, 5-star safety rating as its side bags offer optimum security for both driver and passenger.

Government control reigns once more, leaving the enthusiasts to scratch their heads and ponder. Let’s face it: drag racing and horsepower-building are really not the most important activities in life, but the NHTSA assumes control when it comes to the vehicle safety of you and your loved ones.

Driving any kind of car is a massive responsibility; shouldn’t the NHTSA care as much about vehicle safety as you do when you’re ready to buy?!